Derek Hough Dancing: Return To ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Ballroom Has Fans Excited, Hopeful

Derek Hough was dancing, making his return to the ballroom on Monday night’s episode of Dancing With The Stars. Just about two weeks after a potentially season-ending injury, Hough proved that he’s not going anywhere, and that he’s going to dance as much as he can, while he continues to recover.

According to Us Weekly, the pro took part in his partner’s dance with Sasha Farber (which he choreographed) by sitting in a chair on the ballroom floor in costume. Although he didn’t dance during that number, he did move a heck of a lot more during the second dance of the night, which was a trio routine.

“For us it was kind of a no-brainer to have Sasha in our dance. Derek’s still not at a place where he can be dancing full out,” Liukin said. However, Derek did do a lot more than anticipated. While it initially appeared as though he’d do the whole routine while sitting on a couch, he did get up, and he was able to do quite a few moves without putting too much pressure on his feet.

Derek Hough dancing a little doesn’t mark a return officially, but it certainly gives fans hope that he will be able to dance with Nastia again before the season is over.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Derek is still very much in it to win it. While he has become more limited because of his injury (he accidentally kicked a light and broke his toe, and then hurt his ankle while going to get ice for his toe), he isn’t about to give up.

“[Nastia is] a very hard worker and very determined, and I definitely feel like she can go all the way. There are other factors in play, but I feel like she can win,” Hough said after his injury sidelined him.

Hough’s doctors say that he is recovering faster than they had anticipated, and that means that he could be back as early as next week if Nastia makes it to the semi-finals. Of course Derek wants to make sure that he’s completely healed, but he’s doing what he needs to do to get better. Seeing him last night was definitely a great sign.

According to Mail Online, Derek was also spotted riding a Hovertrax, which could be dangerous for someone with a serious foot injury (or two). This is also a good sign, however, as he likely wouldn’t be pushing his limits without a doctor’s “okay.”

Are you a fan of Derek Hough? Do you think he will be back to dance with Nastia before the end of the current DWTS season?

[Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images]